**CONGRATULATIONS 🎉🎉: NASCAR Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Girlfriend Brittany Long Welcome Bouncing Baby Yesterday in Charlotte — Fans and NASCAR Family Celebrate New Arrival**
*April 18, 2025 | Charlotte, NC*
In an exciting and joyful announcement that has warmed the hearts of racing fans everywhere, **NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr.** and his longtime girlfriend **Brittany Long** officially welcomed their **first child** into the world yesterday, April 17, 2025, at a hospital in **Charlotte, North Carolina**.
The couple, who have been together for over five years, revealed the news via an emotional Instagram post featuring a black-and-white photo of Ricky holding the newborn in his arms while Brittany looked on with tears of joy.
> “Our greatest victory yet,” the caption read. “Welcome to the world, baby **Rowan James Stenhouse**. Born at 7:48 PM, healthy, strong, and already full of personality.”
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### A NASCAR Baby is Born
Baby Rowan, weighing in at **7 lbs, 4 oz**, and measuring **20.5 inches long**, arrived after what was described as a smooth delivery. Both mother and baby are said to be doing well, and the new parents are “absolutely over the moon.”
> “It’s the most surreal and beautiful moment of my life,” Stenhouse said in a statement. “Holding him for the first time… I’ve never felt anything like it. Brittany was a champ. We’re just so grateful.”
The delivery occurred just days after Stenhouse competed in last weekend’s Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, where he finished a solid 11th place — all while keeping his phone close, just in case baby Rowan decided to arrive early.
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### NASCAR Community Overjoyed
The NASCAR world wasted no time in celebrating the happy news. Drivers, teams, and fans alike flooded social media with love and support.
**Denny Hamlin** wrote:
> “Welcome to dad life, Ricky! It’s the wildest ride of all — no pit stops.”
**Ryan Blaney** joked:
> “Now the *real* sleepless nights begin. Congrats, bud.”
**NASCAR’s official account** posted a sweet message:
> “A new generation joins the NASCAR family. Welcome, Rowan!”
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### Baby Row’s First Gift: A Custom Fire Suit?
According to sources close to the couple, the baby has already received several adorable gifts, including:
– A **miniature fire suit** stitched with “Stenhouse Jr.” across the belt.
– A **baby-sized helmet** with the No. 47 on the side.
– A Goodyear plush tire set from the team at JTG Daugherty Racing.
– A signed card from racing legend **Richard Petty**, wishing the newborn “a lifetime of fast cars and slow diapers.”
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### Stenhouse to Take Brief Paternity Leave
With the full support of his team and sponsors, Ricky will be stepping away for one race weekend to spend precious time with Brittany and Rowan. Team officials confirmed that a substitute driver — rumored to be **AJ Allmendinger** — will fill in for the No. 47 car at the upcoming Talladega race.
> “Family always comes first,” said crew chief Brian Pattie. “We’re proud of Ricky and excited to meet the newest member of the team.”
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### A New Chapter Begins
Ricky and Brittany, who recently announced their engagement earlier this year, are now settling into life as first-time parents.
Brittany shared a message of her own:
> “Rowan’s arrival has brought more love into our lives than we ever imagined. We can’t wait to introduce him to the world — and to the track one day.”
While it remains to be seen whether baby Rowan will follow in his father’s racing footsteps, fans are already dreaming of a **“Stenhouse 2.0”** tearing up the track in 2045.
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### Fans Celebrate with Heartfelt Messages
The NASCAR fan base responded with overwhelming joy:
> “A future Daytona 500 champ just clocked in.”
> “That’s one lucky baby — born into speed and love.”
> “Ricky’s best finish yet!”
Some fans even started a lighthearted petition for NASCAR to introduce a “Baby Driver of the Year” award.
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### From the Track to the Crib
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. may be known for his aggressive style on superspeedways and his legendary 2023 Daytona 500 win — but now, he’s stepping into a role that promises to be even more thrilling, more rewarding, and full of love: **fatherhood**.
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**Congratulations to Ricky, Brittany, and baby Rowan from all of us in the NASCAR family!**
Would you like a follow-up feature story with mock baby gift ideas from other drivers or a fun fictional baby shower scene at the track? I’d be happy to create that too!
